Two RCCDSB schools receive addition and renewal funding from province

The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that funding has been approved for an addition to St. Joseph’s High School (SJHS) and replacement of St. Thomas the Apostle (STA) Catholic Elementary School in Renfrew.

The funding is part of an investment of $784 million by the province in 2018 to create better learning environments and additional licensed child care spaces. Seventy-nine projects have been approved, including 39 brand new schools and 40 major renovations across Ontario.

The Minister of Education, stated, “Ontario is committed to building learning environments that support student achievement and well-being. That’s why we continue to invest in new, renovated, and expanded schools so that every student can learn and grow in a space that enables them to reach their full potential.”

Jaimie Perry, RCCDSB Director of Education, noted that the funding will address space issues in the two Renfrew schools. “Our Board is very excited to receive Ministry funding to add much-needed space to St. Joseph’s High School and enhance the learning environment at St. Thomas the Apostle,” said Perry.

The addition to SJHS will alleviate overcrowding that has necessitated the use of seven portable classrooms and conversion of the library into extra cafeteria space.

The plan allows for additional classroom spaces, and retrofitting the learning commons area and cafeteria. The Ministry has also given the Board approval to allocate some of its surplus funds to the construction of a double gymnasium. St. Joseph’s High School Principal Brennan Trainor was delighted with the news noting, “Our student, staff and parent community has been understanding of the issues that have come with our growth and have also advocated for some longer term solutions. We are so pleased that the Board and Ministry have been able to provide this assistance.”

The existing St. Thomas the Apostle building will be replaced with a contemporary 21st Century learning space. “This is a very exciting day for our school community,” remarked Principal Rory Donohue. “We look forward to working with the Board and the Ministry on this fantastic new project.”

The Board will also continue its partnership with Arnprior and District Childcare Services and the new St. Thomas the Apostle site will incorporate space for its existing daycare. Sharon Huycke of the ADCCS remarks, “We are excited to continue to partner with the RCCDSB in providing childcare spaces for our Renfrew families in a new, refreshed space.

“We are thrilled with this major investment of funds by the province to update our school facilities and provide improved learning environments and childcare spaces as we strive to ensure the well-being and success of our students,” said Dave Howard, Board Chair.

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